The Dangers of Sitting with Crossed Legs, Explained by an Anatomy Expert.
Sitting cross-legged can increase the misalignment of the hips, change the speed at which blood moves through the blood vessels in the lower limbs, and increase the risk of blood clots. It can also cause misalignment of the spine and shoulders, affect the neck, and weaken muscles in the pelvis and lower back. Sitting with legs crossed for a long time increases the likelihood of scoliosis and other deformities. However, sitting with legs crossed can be beneficial for some people, such as those with one leg longer than the other. The lotus position may be healthier.